Godongwana dismisses claims about R10 to R20 SASSA pension grant increases

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has refuted claims that the SASSA Older Persons Grant is typically increased by only R10 to R20 annually. He cited adjustments made over the past two financial years to clarify the matter. The Older Persons Grant saw a R130 monthly increase in the 2025/26 financial year, marking a 5.9% rise. The following year, beneficiaries received an additional R85 per month, translating to a 3.7% increase.

Godongwana emphasized that the claim that annual increases are usually limited to between R10 and R20 is inaccurate. He also pointed out that the latest increase was slightly above the projected consumer price inflation (CPI) in the 2026 Budget Review. When asked about the criteria for determining annual adjustments, Godongwana explained that social grant increases are influenced by inflation trends, including projected CPI and food price inflation.

However, the final adjustments depend on the government's financial resources and prevailing economic conditions. Social grant increases are aimed at protecting the purchasing power of beneficiaries and supporting vulnerable households, while balancing this goal against other critical government spending priorities. The government has not yet disclosed the exact amount older persons will receive in the 2027/28 financial year.

Decisions on social grant increases are still under consideration as part of the 2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget process. The Minister is expected to announce the adjustments when the national budget is presented in February 2027.